World’s First 4D Flash Memory Concept Showcased By SK Hynix

64 TB Capacity Possible

3D NAND flash memory helped revolutionize this segment of the market by reducing the footprint of the storage device by stacking layers one above the other in the 3rd dimension, so to speak but SK Hynix thinks that a 4rth dimension can also be added into the mix that will increase the capacities of memory in the future. The world’s first 4D flash memory concept was showcased by SK Hynix recently.

The 4D flash memory uses V5 512Gb TLC flash memory as well as 96-layer stacking. With the help of all that the speed reaches 1.2GBps. SK Hynix also announced that these chips will be mass produced in the fourth quarter.

4D Flash Memory

The 4D flash memory storage devices will be 20 smaller as compared to the 3D memory that we have on the market right now. The smaller footprint is a good thing but then you also need faster storage. The 4D flash memory is able to provide a 30% performance boost in write speeds as compared to what we currently have on the market. These are some impressive numbers but while they are great in theory we will need a proof of concept in order to be convinced.

4D Flash Memory

You can also expect to see a 25% increase in read speeds as well as a 150% increase in total bandwidth. If these are going to come out by the end of the year then you can expect the previous technology to become even cheaper. SATA based SSDs have become very cheap and Intel just announced the really inexpensive 600 series SSDs which provide great speeds and are good value for money.

4D Flash Memory

With the 4D flash memory storage devices coming out before the end of the year, you can expect the prices of SSDs to drop even further. Then again there is that US-China Tarif that is going to come into play later this month. So if you live in the US then PC hardware is going to get a bit expensive. 25% more expensive to be exact. But if you are not in the US then you will be fine. At least for now.